Funerals held for Clutha helicopter victims

Father-of-three Police Scotland constable Tony Collins was on board the aircraft when it hit the Clutha bar in Glasgow’s Stockwell Street on November 29.

The 43-year-old was one of nine people, including two other crew members, killed in the tragedy.

Friends, family and colleagues of Pc Collins gathered in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran today to say their final farewells at his funeral.

He was buried at Lamlash Cemetery in the village, which overlooks the Holy Isle and Firth of Clyde.

Mr Collins’s wife Lucy and other family members were joined by Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Stephen House and other senior police officers at the graveside ceremony, conducted by the Rev Angus Adamson.

Police officers former a guard of honour as the coffin was taken to the graveside.

The helicopter was on its way back from a police operation when it plummeted from the sky.

John McGarrigle, 57, (left) and Police Constable Tony Collins, 43. Picture: PA

Investigators said they have found no evidence of engine or gear box failure and their inquiries into the cause of the crash are continuing.

Pc Collins was part of Police Scotland’s helicopter unit and had received a commendation for his bravery in the past.

His funeral was the fourth of the nine to be held, and the first of the two police officers who lost their lives.

A service was also held in Glasgow’s Castlemilk area today for pub customer John McGarrigle, 57, who was on a night out at the Clutha when he was killed.

A mass at St Bartholomew’s RC Church was followed by a service at Linn Crematorium.